Barron Cuadro

Gents, it’s hot out.

The minute you step outside, you feel the oppressive sun beating down and the moisture floating in the air. You’re doing your best to not melt down into a sweaty puddle on the ground.

You’re wiping your brow constantly; your clothes stick to your back, forming abstract sweat blots like a Rorschach test.

How’s an effortless gent like you supposed to dress well and stay cool? This, my friend, is one of those situations where you can have your cake and eat it too.

In this guide, I’m going to lay out everything you need to know to dress sharp in men’s clothes for hot, humid weather — the best summer clothes for men, how they should fit, the ideal fabrics and colors — while staying as cool and sweat-free as possible.

Just so you know, this is a pretty extensive article! Feel free to jump around using the links below.

The Best Summer Colors, Fabric, and FitBack To Top

layering in summertime lightweight layers and colors vs layering in wintertime with heavy layers and dark colors

You know how the clothing we wear in winter is generally heavier, darker, and more substantial? Same goes for the summer styles men look best in, except the complete opposite: everything is lighter, brighter, and lacking in heft and bulk.

Let’s break each one down:

The best colors for summer clothesBack To Top

summer clothes for men - nantucket red shorts with a light blue button up shirt sunglasses and brown loafers — Via Lookastic

In general, you’ll want to wear light colors in the summer. Lighter colors will keep you cool as they reflect the most light. So white, light blue, light grey, and tan / khaki are all “neutrals” (i.e. colors that can serve as your base and go well with all other colors in an outfit).

Navy and olive also fall into the neutrals category, but since they’re not light colors, we’ll ignore them for now.

alessandro squarzi wearing blue check shirt and chinos with colorful accessories for men — via The Sartorialist

Summer is a great time to add brighter pops of color as well.

If you’re just learning how to incorporate more color, start by adding them in with smaller outfit details like pocket squares, bracelets, sunglasses, and watch straps.

If you’re more advanced and experimental, throw in a vibrant, stand-out piece, like a sport coat or colorful chinos.

The best fabrics for summer clothesBack To Top

For men’s clothes for hot, humid weather, summer-weight or lightweight wool, linen, and cotton will be your best friends. Loosely-woven fabrics such as these will keep the air flowing freely while still looking sharp.

In case you’re worried about linen and wrinkling… yes, linen tends to wrinkle, but that’s OK. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Embrace the wrinkles!

Plus, when you’re in hot, humid weather, the fabric will relax and some of the wrinkles will fall off anyway. But for summer styles, men don’t need to stress. It’s natural to experience wrinkles with this fabric, so it’s not a big issue.

How summer clothes should fitBack To Top

loose summer layers mens grey t-shirt and off-white wrap waistband cream mens trousers — via The Sartorialist

In general, clothes should fit how they always do, no matter the season. However, for summer styles, men tend to prefer things a bit looser.

Don’t get me wrong, your outfits should still be sharp, and should still have a nice, fitted silhouette… but if you want to go a tad bit looser, do it. More room between your skin and the fabric will allow for more air to circulate, which will keep you cooler, longer.

Outfit Specifics: “What clothes should I add to my closet?”Back To Top

Before recommending specific summer clothes or capsule wardrobes for you, first decide how you need to dress.

Do you need to dress more formally (maybe you have an office job that requires you to suit up) or casually (every other situation, from running errands around town to getting drinks and dinner with your Sig O)?

Formal and Business: How to wear a suit and tie in hot weatherBack To Top

If you’re required to wear a suit to work, you will get hot. Hopefully the AC doesn’t break down on your way to the office so you don’t cross the Sweat Threshold (my term for when you start sweating, and once reaching that point, you can’t stop).

I don’t think there’s a way around it, but there are ways to minimize how hot you get in your suit and tie. You’ll have to pay attention to the cloth and the color.

“What kind of fabric should my summer suit be made from?”Back To Top

suits can be made from a number of different cloths. To keep it simple, for a men’s summer style suit, you want to find something in a lightweight wool, cotton, linen, or a blend of those three.

Ideally, your suit will be partially lined and unstructured. Suit jackets can come unlined, half lined (front panel, shoulders, and sleeves), or quarter lined (sleeves and shoulders, or sleeves only).

Why this matters: Having a partially-lined jacket means there’s one less layer trapping the heat in, and less sweating for you.

If you head to SuitSupply (or any shop that knows suits) right now and ask to see their summer-weight suits, they will know what you’re talking about. Generally, the suits are lighter, both in weight and in color, and the weaves of summer-specific fabrics are more open.

Why this matters: They breathe better, more air gets through, and you stay cooler.

“Are some colors better than others for summer suits?”Back To Top

As far as specific fabric color, if appropriate for the event or the venue, I’d go with a light to medium grey suit, tan, cream, or brighter blues. Again, it’s going to depend on where you’re headed, as far as what’s appropriate, so you’ll have to make a judgment call there.

Your classic charcoal and navy could also work, but I tend to get hotter in darker colors and I imagine most others feel the same way. Then again, they’re classics for a reason, and you can’t go wrong with muted, somber colors such as these. If you stick with lighter-weight fabrics like I discussed in the previous section, you should be okay, temperature-wise.

“What about shirts, ties, and shoes?”Back To Top

Same goes for your shirts. There are plenty of dress shirt fabric options, but find one made from a lightweight, open weave cloth. The most common and easiest ones to find will probably be lightweight oxford and linen cotton blend shirts.

Shirt colors: The staple white and light blue, of course. You can also go with a subtle stripe in blue / white or grey / white if you’re aiming for maximum versatility. As far as stripe width, I personally prefer the candy and awning stripe widths, though it’s up to you. You can also go with more vibrant colors, which work great against a neutral grey, navy, or tan.

For ties, what’s most important is to keep it seasonally consistent. So no thick wool ties. Go with something lighter weight in wool, cotton, and silk. Knits are also a good option for men’s summer style dress clothing.

As far as shoes for business or formal wear, stick to an oxford in brown or black. If you have a bit of leeway, you can go with a tassel loafer.

Smart, Sharp Casual: How to dress sharp in men’s clothes for hot, humid weatherBack To Top

Smart, sharp casual describes outfits you’d wear in everyday life situations that aren’t any of the two extremes:

Formal: black tie, white tie, or business environments
Casual or Activity-specific: lounging at home, performing manual labor, or participating in a physical activity (sports, the gym)

So if you’re not sitting on the couch, mowing the lawn, or doing 5 sets of 5 in the squat rack, you would be dressing smart sharp casual.

A bare-bones, capsule wardrobe for summerBack To Top

If you’re looking to buy clothes and want a smart, sharp casual men’s summer style, look no further! Here are some suggestions below.

Shorts

3 pairs of shorts, either in linen (or linen blend) or cotton chino. Best colors would be a lighter blue, darker blue, and one in a brighter color, like this faded red. Standard khaki-colored chino shorts are also great to own, of course.

Shop Here: Todd Snyder, Bonobos, J.Crew

Chinos

2-3 pairs of chinos. These look sharp and are much better in warm weather than heavy denim. You can’t go wrong with navy, medium grey, khaki, and one fun color like faded red or mint green.

Shop Here: Todd Snyder and Bonobos fun color chinos

Shirts

2-4 shirts. I love linen shirts in the summer. I also wear a lot of OCBDs (year round, really) in white and light blue, or a light stripe (grey and white, blue and white).

Shop Here: Todd Snyder linen options, Uniqlo OCBDs, J.Crew linen options

Short Sleeve Shirts

2-4 short sleeve shirts: I’d go with linen, cotton, or a blend, in either short-sleeve button-ups or polos. For polos, slub cotton is my favorite (which is what you see above), but basic pique works too. Can’t go wrong with a white, navy, or gray, and two others in fun color and pattern combinations.

Remember, with a lean wardrobe, having one stand-out piece is easy to incorporate because it will go well with all your other neutral colors.

Shop Here: Todd Snyder polos, Bonobos fun short sleeve shirts, Banana Republic polos, J.Crew short sleeve shirts

Shoes

3 pairs of shoes: One white leather sneaker, a tan or brown driving shoe, a grey or tan loafer

Shop Here: Greats white sneakers, M.Gemi drivers, Allen Edmonds loafers

Sportcoat

These are three examples of super versatile sport coats: one in a medium grey, one in a brighter blue, and lastly, one in a brown check.

Ideally, you’d have all three, but depending on your specific men’s summer style, you may not need all three (or maybe you need more, who knows). The best sport coats for summer are linen or a linen blend, usually with cotton, wool, or silk. They’re also half-lined, unstructured, 2-button single-breasted, and double-vented. Double vents are my preference, though it’s not imperative yours be double-vented.

If you have your classics covered, don’t be afraid to experiment with pattern and texture, even if it’s subtle.

By the way, these jackets are from SuitSupply. Check out the cloth close up in the image below:

Shop Here: SuitSupply medium grey, brighter blue, brown jackets

If you wanted to go the Made-to-Measure or Custom route, Oliver Wicks has a grey windowpane wool and linen jacket and many other summer suit options. You can buy both as full suits.

Socks

In the summer, I go with no-show socks or shoe inserts. The ones you see above are my favorites.

Shop Here: For inserts, I go with Zederna cedar inserts, or Pedag Deo-Fresh inserts. For no-show socks, I like Falke and Uniqlo’s no-show socks.

Undershirts

I like my undershirts to be invisible; I don’t even want to know I’m wearing one.

I look for shirts made from a thin cotton or cotton blend (sometimes synthetic too, i.e. the shirt on the right), in light grey, with a V-neck. This is the style you want to wear underneath light-colored and lightweight shirts; they won’t show through like white undershirts tend to do.

These are my two favorites.

Shop Here: RibbedTee’s Retro Fit Tri Blend in Heather Grey, Uniqlo’s Airism line

Accessories (optional)

Sunglasses

If you already have a standard pair of black or brown tortoise shell frame sunglasses, go with something fun and colorful for summer.

Shop Here: Chimi Eyewear, Ray-ban Clubmaster w/ reflective lenses

Hats

In the summer, I usually travel with a straw fedora. They look great, provide sun protection, and best of all, are packable… assuming you buy the right ones.

Shop Here: Goorin Bros. packable fedoras (here)

Belts

A dark brown leather belt is always good to have; it will match all your shoe options. Sometimes, though, you want something a little more fun, especially in the summer when you want to wear more color. So, something like these braided, webbed belts are the perfect men’s summer style.

Shop Here: Anson, Todd Snyder

NATO straps

You can usually swap out the factory band on your watch and replace it with a colorful NATO strap. It’s an easy way to add a bit more color to your outfit without going full pink seersucker or something equally in-yo-face.

Shop Here: Amazon carries two brands that have a wide selection, BluShark and ClockworkSynergy. Many men’s stores carry their own watch straps as well.

Putting together your summer outfitsBack To Top

I think the best advice I can give for putting together great outfits every day can be summed up in three words: Don’t Be Scared.

Every question I receive from guys about how to put together outfits always sound so anxious and apprehensive, like if they wear the “wrong” combination, they’re going to set off a bomb or something equally terrible will happen.

The most common questions are usually something like, “How do I wear X with Y?” and “Does A go with Z?”

The answer to #1 is: Put on X first, then put on Y.
The answer to #2 is YES

You simply can’t go wrong with a wardrobe full of neutrals, and 1-2 pops of bright, vibrant color… nor can you go wrong with an outfit of solid colors, and 1-2 patterns.

I don’t mean to sound harsh, but look, you’re supposed to have fun with dressing well. If you put together a less-than-ideal look, and you don’t realize it until later, who cares? It’s just clothing. Put stuff on, have fun with your men’s summer style, go on with your day.

And by the way, YES, you can wear a long-sleeve linen or OCBD with shorts. Just roll up your sleeves if you’re hot. Don’t be so buttoned up, it’s summer, for god’s sake.

Men’s summer style examplesBack To Top

Anyway, because I love you, here are a few outfits I threw together from the pieces I suggested for your summer capsule wardrobe in the previous section.

Outfit 1: Laid-Back Dressed Up

This is a good example of a laid-back version of “dressed up”. The khaki chinos and light blue linen shirt are an easy pair, and with the brown drivers, is a great outfit on its own. The multi-colored brown webbed belt is a subtle color addition, along with the shades.

If you’re headed to a nice venue (dinner at a classy restaurant, drinks at a fancy bar), throw on your blue sport coat, and you’re all set.

Outfit 2: Poolside Happy Hour

poolside outfit sharp summer clothes with light green pants white shirt loafers sunglasses and fedora

This outfit reminds me of a night out in Miami; it’s something I’d wear if I’m going out to grab happy hour drinks and bites at Cecconi’s (best HH in Miami Beach).

Notice how the chinos are the only bright pop of color (not including the shades, but that’s OK); everything else is subtle and neutral.

Outfit 3: Sharp in Shorts

summer outfit with shorts linen shirt sneakers and panama hat

Shorts can be sharp! Find a dark pair in linen or cotton, pair it with a white linen shirt, clean white sneakers, and a tan fedora. Sunglasses optional (but it’s summer, so you probably are carrying them around everyday regardless).

Outfit 4: Understated and No-Nonsense

simple mens outfit with dark blue pants and grey polo loafers sunglasses and colorful belt

If you’re a fan of understated, no-nonsense looks, this outfit is for you. Dusty navy chinos, a grey slub cotton polo, and tan loafers. Super easy, you look sharp, and you still have a bit of color in that outfit with the awesome belt and shades.

Outfit 5: Al Fresco Dinner

dressy summer outfit for men with light green chinos white shirt and tan sport coat with brown loafers belt and sunglasses

I wanted to throw this example in to show you how to dress up colorful chinos. Essentially, you treat them as if they were your standard khaki or navy, but the key is to make sure everything else is subtle and neutral. I’m a fan of fun shades, so if that’s another pop of color you happen to be wearing, that’s totally fine.

Wrapping UpBack To Top

If you’ve made it this far, you’re ready to dress sharp in men’s clothes for hot, humid weather!

Now you have a good idea of what fabrics and colors to choose, and how your clothes should fit when it’s warm out. You also have a solid list of clothing recommendations and ideas for how to put them together into different outfits.

Dressing well isn’t tough, regardless of the season. You just have to be strategic with what you wear and the cloth you choose, so you can look great while still remaining as cool as a cucumber.

Hope this helps! Anything else I can answer? Tweet at me.

Summer Clothes For Men: What To Wear In Hot, Humid Weather

I remember the first necklace I ever owned. It was a tiny gold chain—small enough for a 5 year old’s neck—and a small rectangle charm with a capital D on it (for my first name, Daniel).

I don’t actually know the backstory of this necklace and charm, only that it’s had a persistent role in my childhood memories.

My parents must’ve given it to me when I was young, and that was that. I just wore it without thinking much of it.

I recently visited home and happened to find this charm again. I’ve always kept it in a safe place with a few other necklaces and things I’ve stopped wearing over the years.

But even though I no longer wore them, I never wanted to get rid of them.

I guess that’s what happens when you hold onto old things. Their age, in addition to the simple fact that you’ve held onto them for so long, is what makes them special.

When I see that charm, I think of my youth, of being a young kid growing up through middle school and high school, all the friends that have come and gone, the places I’ve visited, the experiences I’ve had… and even though I wasn’t always wearing this charm throughout the years, it’s become a symbolic representation of the memories of my past.

It’s been a constant in my life… something always within reach and full of my own personal history (or at least an easy reminder of it).

And so before leaving my parents’ place to head back to NYC, I threw it on a chain and started wearing it again.

Be Intentional With Your Accessories (And Your Style!)

So, why did I just tell you that story?

Well, it all ties in to this idea of accessorizing.

I want to convince you to start wearing accessories (if you aren’t already). But not just wear them… I want you to think about your accessories and make intentional decisions about what you wear.

Why is this important?

I’m going to walk you through it all, and this thought process applies not only to accessories but your personal style as a whole, from your clothes and shoes, to your home, your lifestyle, the way you travel, etc., so you want to pay attention.

But thinking about and applying these ideas to all of those things all at once can be intimidating, so I want to make it much easier and focus on your accessories.

To simplify it even further, let’s focus specifically on bracelets.

Much easier, right?

Why wear accessories at all?

“What’s the point? Why bother accessorizing? Don’t I just need a watch and a wedding ring if I’m married? Why should I care at all?”

Look, I realize wearing accessories can seem pointless, “extra”, or maybe even intimidating and confusing—just like dressing better can seem to the uninitiated—but it doesn’t have to be.

Think of it this way: wearing accessories is like adding chopped chives onto a plate of perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, or grating fresh parmesan cheese on top of a piping hot plate of pasta.

Accessories are the extra 10% that make your whole outfit.

On top of that, it’s an easy way to express yourself, to make your entire look more interesting, and to show that you pay attention to the little details.

So before you decide to slap a bunch of shit on your wrists and fingers and call it a day, I suggest taking a more intentional approach.

And this means procuring and curating a nice set of accessories over time… all with an individual meaning to you.

So what would be the best way to start?

How to choose your accessories

OK let’s bring our focus back to bracelets so we have a simplified example.

By the way, shout out to our friends at Azuro Republic for partnering with us on this article! You’ll see examples of their incredible bracelets throughout. You’re also able to shop any of the bracelets you see by visiting their site.

So when you’re choosing a bracelet to wear, these are some things you may consider:

“What have I seen and liked?”

Maybe you have a friend, an older brother, or an uncle who wears a cool bracelet that makes you think, “Hmm… I kinda like that!”

Maybe you saw someone online… whether it be some rando influencer on Instagram, a model, or a celebrity who had cool wristwear.

Sometimes, simply seeing someone wear a piece you like can inspire you to try it out for yourself.

“What is the meaning behind this bracelet?”

Values and goals aligned with yours

Sometimes you find a company who’s driven by values and goals that you align with, and you want to support them by wearing their product.

Azuro Republic is a good example of this. I loved what they had to say about their brand’s mission. Here’s an excerpt:

Our goal for Azuro Republic is to bring men of all kinds, races, and beliefs to come together under the common banner of gentlemanly conduct and values.
This is our own, unique way of changing the world for the better not only on an individual level, but on a global scale.
Taking it one step at a time and one person at a time, our goal is to effect a positive impact on the world and transform the face of the modern man will be better achieved when we all come and work together as one.

(You can read their full post here)

Designed with meaning

Maybe the bracelet itself is designed with a specific meaning in mind, or the materials from which they’re made have a history or meaning behind it.

For example, this bracelet is a classic bead bracelet made from 925 silver and a stone called obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass. Specifically, this variety is referred to as Apache Tears, a rounded obsidian pebble.

Obsidian has been utilized by countless tribes and cultures over hundreds of thousands of years. ^[1]

Culturally, the name is derived from an old Apache tribe legend^[2], and in this bracelet, have come to represent guardianship and bravery.

A wearable reminder or talisman

Another thought: accessories can also serve as a reminder of a set of values you strive to embody or traits you want to adopt.

Azuro’s howlite bracelet—howlite is a porous, naturally occurring white mineral—has been designed to symbolize purity, clear mindedness, and focus.

The silver classic Picasso jasper bracelet, apart from being a stunner, is said to bring optimism and openness, attracting positive people and cleansing negative energy.

And by the way, even if you aren’t a particularly spiritual person, or believe in the “woo woo” meanings of things, we all strive to better ourselves, and having bracelets as wearable talismans can serve as constant reminders of what you’re working towards.

A representation of a happy time and place

Or perhaps it’s a bracelet you stumbled upon that now holds a lot of memories and meaning to you because of where you bought it, or a specific time in your life.

One of my most recent pickups was a braided red leather bracelet with a knot on one end and a loop on the other. I bought it at a little seaside shop in a small beach town in Mexico.

My wife Kate and I had the best time talking with the owner and listening to her stories. It also happens to be across the way from our favorite fish taco stand, just a stone’s throw away from the sand and surf.

We discovered these fish tacos 7 years ago during our first visit to this little town, which happened to be the day after I proposed to Kate. We haven’t been back since, so it was nice to visit (and yes, the tacos are still as delicious as we remembered).

On top of that, we were in Mexico to see two of our very good friends get married, and I happened to be officiating their wedding.

This is what I mean by meaning and memories.

Whenever I wear that bracelet—basically any time I leave the house—I’m reminded of these layers of moments across years of intertwined experiences, and all of that is what makes the bracelet so special to me.

“How’s the quality, construction, and value?”

How well was the bracelet made?

Does it feel solid and substantial, like it will stand the test of time?

Also, is there value in this piece?

Basically you want to ask yourself is, “Is what I’m getting worth at least what I’m paying, if not more?”

And in terms of actual cost, maybe you’re willing to pay more for something you consider to be of higher value, whether that be higher quality materials, unique or better construction, or simply a special meaning behind it, similar to my red leather bracelet.

In terms of quality materials and construction, Azuro Republic is a good example of this.

I have to say, when I first received this bracelet, I wasn’t immediately blown away. Maybe I didn’t get it. It was a beaded bracelet… great.

But the more time I spent with it, looking at it closely and wearing it on my wrist, feeling the weight of the obsidian stone and observing the beautifully polished sterling silver, I got it.

I appreciate the attention paid to each detail, down to the display box every bracelet comes in.

Understandably, Azuro Republic’s bracelets aren’t cheap. This isn’t some $2 wooden beaded bracelet you’ll find at a mall kiosk. And if that’s all you’re looking for, this wouldn’t be for you.

But if you’re looking for a piece to add to your collection, a bracelet that’s made from precious metal and stone, uniquely designed and thoughtfully crafted, and beautifully presented in its own case like a fine jewelry piece, Azuro’s bracelets are worth your consideration.

I’ve had several beaded bracelets throughout the years, but none quite this caliber of quality and substance. And if that’s important to you, definitely check them out.

There are several steps that go into designing and making their bracelets. They do a great job of describing each artistic step here.

“Personal expression, man”

Sometimes, you just like something. Or more specifically, you’re drawn to how a bracelet looks.

Or maybe that bracelet just makes you feel cool, or feel good when you wear it, or like you’re taking on a new persona, or maybe you just think it looks great with your outfit that day.

And that’s totally cool too!

You don’t need a specific reason or meaning behind your bracelet to wear it.

But, of course, if you’re procuring and curating your collection over the years, most likely, your items will have a specific meaning behind it…

…either one that it’s designed with, or one that has developed over time because of your relationship with it (like my D charm that I’ve had since I was 5).

My point is: whatever your reason for liking, wanting, or wearing that bracelet, have a reason.

How to wear accessories

There’s no right or wrong way to wear bracelets, rings, or any combo of accessories.

I personally feel you can wear too much, but then again, some guys can pull it off, while others can’t.

You have to use your best judgement, and if uncertain, err on the side of fewer accessories than more.

Here are a few simple ways to combine your bracelet and other accessories.

Look 1: Simple and Straightforward

Let’s say you don’t wear any accessories at all. A bead bracelet from Azuro would be the perfect way to start.

It’s bold and eye-catching with meaning behind each bead. Plus, it’s all you really need if you’re going for a more minimalist look.

Look 2: With a watch

There’s a good chance you wear a watch, and maybe a wedding ring if you’re married.

Adding a bracelet is a great way to dip your toe into accessorizing, and all you need is one (but you’ll want more, trust me).

Wearing a bold bracelet like this is perfect because if you’re keeping it simple, then one accessory is all you need, and that alone makes an impact without being overwhelming.

Feel free to wear it on the same wrist as your watch, or on the opposite wrist… it’s up to you.

By the way, Azuro has plenty of bracelets to choose from, not just the classic black Obsidian one I have. Here are a few of my favorites:

L to R: Picasso jasper, Chrysanthemum, Red jasper. Browse all bracelets from Azuro Republic

Look 3: Combining multiple bracelets

I love mixing metals, textures, and textiles when I wear accessories. That means stone, metal, woven fabric, leather… all fair game.

Oftentimes my outfits are made up of all menswear neutral colors, and wearing a few colorful accessories complements that nicely without being too over the top.

When I have several bracelets on, I like to wear them on the wrist opposite my watch, but again, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. You can wear a few on the same wrist as your watch if you like that look.

And don’t be afraid to mix metals as well. Both my necklaces are gold, but my watch is steel and my wedding ring is two-toned. My accessories are mixed and matched.

Again, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. But you do need a bit of confidence when mixing and matching, so if you’re even slightly unsure, keep it as simple as possible until you get more comfortable with the mix.

Are you ready to accessorize?

I hope this article inspires you to accessorize more! And more importantly, to do so in an intentional way.

You can use this thought process to build, develop, and evolve your personal style as well.

By being observant about how others dress and thinking about what you’re personally drawn to, you can begin to explore other pieces you might not have otherwise considered.

Thanks to our friends at Azuro Republic for partnering with us on this article! They have incredible bracelets that are literally crafted by hand, all with beautiful stones and precious metals, and a meaningful backstory behind each one.

Check out their collection here.

A Man’s Guide To Choosing and Wearing Bracelets and Accessories

So, you’re a bigger guy, and you want to dress well, but you’re not sure where to start.

Maybe you can’t find clothes that fit right, or you just don’t know if something looks good or not.

Sound familiar?

Well, I hear ya, and I know where you’re coming from.

I used to be a big guy myself—I’m 5’9″ and 15 years ago, at my heaviest, I was 241 lbs and pushing a 40″ waist (!)

Me in my early 20s and 80 lbs heavier than I am today

Luckily (for you), I was always into fashion and my own personal style, so I picked up some tricks along the way that applied to both my bigger self as well as when I was losing weight.

So if you’re looking to dress sharp as a big guy, just follow these tips I’ve laid out for you in this article.

Fashion Tips For Big Guys… in a video?

Damn right!

In the video below, I’m laying out 5 tips to get you started on the right foot. These will apply no matter the kind of style you’re going for.

Hit Play to watch (and subscribe to Effortless Gent’s YouTube channel if you haven’t already!) or if you prefer, continue reading below.

Big Guy Style Tip #1: Understand how clothes should fit YOUR body

So, how exactly should clothes fit on a bigger guy?

You want to use the same fit cues that every guy should use. Your shirts and pants should fit close to your body without being too slim and tight, and also without being too big.

For example: With woven shirts (like collared dress shirts and sport shirts), first make sure the shoulder seam is sitting directly on top of your shoulder bone.

Shirt and pants from Bonobos

From there, how far away can you pull your shirt from your body? If you can pull it away 2-3″, that should give you enough room to move comfortably and sit down while still pulling off that slimmer, more tailored fit.

For pants to fit, they can be a bit closer to your legs, and you want to make sure there’s little to no break (meaning no excess fabric bunching and pooling at your shoes), and a slight taper from the knee down.

You want to avoid excess volume wherever possible, and having a tailored pant leg with little to no break makes you look slimmer.

Bonobos has plenty of choices for big guys

MINI TIP: Sit down in the fitting room when trying on clothes.

Shirts and pants may look good standing up, but when you sit down, it might be a completely different story.

Maybe the shirt is too tight and you can’t move your arms, or the buttons look like they’re gonna pop.

Maybe the pants are too tight in the thighs when you sit, or the waist is simply uncomfortable.

Clothing should be comfortable when seated, as well as when you’re up and walking around.

By the way, tailoring is everything!

Go to a tailor whenever necessary to achieve the best fit; most likely, clothes won’t fit you well off the rack, so this is the extra step you must take.

And you’re not alone; pretty much everyone (aside from models whom most clothes are designed for) has to do this to achieve a tailored fit with off-the-rack clothing.

Big Guy Style Tip #1B: Find cool brands that make your size, and stick with them

If you watch other men’s style YouTube videos, or simply look at models in magazines or in stores, you might think your clothes should / will fit like theirs.

Well, it won’t.

It’s important to find the clothes and brands that work best for your body type.

Yes, that requires you to do a bit of leg work but once you find the brands and fits that work best, you can stick with that brand for life.

Here are two great suggestions to get you started:

Bonobos: Smart, sharp casual fashion for big guys

I love Bonobos for classic smart sharp looks, and it’s a brand I’ve shopped for years.

They recently introduced extended sizes, so basically, their same great clothes but made for bigger guys.

Check Out Bonobos here »

MINI TIP: Go shopping and try on clothing in the afternoon or evening instead of in the morning.

You are your slimmest in the morning and your body expands and gets bigger throughout the day—you rehydrate, you eat meals, you move around, you sweat, etc.

If you shop and try on clothes early in the morning, what feels like a great fit then, may be uncomfortably snug by day’s end.

So, if possible, shop and try on clothes towards the end of the day.

ASOS: Affordable casual and streetwear looks for big guys

ASOS sells casual clothing and streetwear fashion in standard sizes as well as bigger sizes. They have a whole plus size shop that sells awesome (and affordable) streetwear.

Keep in mind, this is more trend-forward stuff, but if that’s your jam, I’d start looking here.

Check Out Asos here »

Big Guy Style Tip #2: Buy affordably (for now)

Trust me, I’m all about buying investment-worthy pieces that look and feel great, that you enjoy wearing, that have great brand reputation and recognition, and are a pleasurable experience to own overall.

But!

Your body changes a lot as you lose weight, so assuming you are on that journey of dropping the pounds, it’s a good idea to buy affordably first.

Save the investment-worthy pieces for when you are at your ideal weight or body composition.

And once you hit your goal, treat yo’self! Grab those higher-quality Lean Wardrobe pieces, knowing that you won’t be having to replace them any time soon.

Side Note: Follow big guys who dress sharp on Instagram

Of course, Instagram can be a huge source of inspiration when you’re trying to figure out how to dress. Follow these stylish bigger guys on Instagram and pay attention to how clothes fit on them.

From L to R: Carpe_DMG, ethandesu, thefattorialist, thebigsartorialist

Big Guy Style Tip #3: Replace your most frequently worn items first!

As you lose weight, your body shrinks, and you’ll need to replace some things.

Otherwise, if you don’t, you’re wearing clothes that are too big for you! And you won’t look like you lost weight at all.

You want to show off all your hard work, right?

So the big tip here is, as you lose weight, to replace the stuff you wear most frequently, first.

Wear a lot of jeans and flannel day to day? Grab new, smaller, affordable versions of those items.

Drowning in your suits? Time for another trip to the tailor!

A rule of thumb is, for every 10-15 (maybe 20) lbs you lose, you go down one shirt size. Of course, this depends on how big you actually are, but for most guys, this is a good estimation to keep in mind.

So if you’re down 25 lbs, there’s a good chance the clothes that fit decently a few months ago are waaay too big on you now.

So replace them!

You’ll feel your best when your clothes fit right and you look sharp… even if you still have a ways to go in your weight loss journey.

MINI TIP: Find pants with a bit of stretch!

Looking sharp doesn’t have to mean being uncomfortable. Find pants with elastane or some other fabric with stretch property to get max comfort while out and about.

Luckily, many brands make pants with stretch properties in them.

My favorite pair of jeans for guys with bigger legs is the Levi’s 541. I even did a whole video on the 541!

Levi's 541 Athletic Taper Jeans

$41.04

The Levi's 541 Athletic Jeans fit a larger, more athletic build. Crafted with extra room in the seat and thighs and sits at the waist for a more comfortable feel. The tapered leg gives you a modern, sleek silhouette.

Buy Now

July 4, 2020 5:28 am UTC

To clarify, I’m not telling you to replace everything in your closet just because you’re down a shirt size or two. I’m simply saying to replace the stuff that gets the most wear.

Replacing these items are what will make the most difference in your everyday confidence and look.

Big Guy Style Tip #4: Set milestones and treat yo’self when you hit them

This may sound a bit contradictory to tip #2 (buy affordably), but hear me out.

Going through the process of losing weight is an emotional experience. It takes a lot out of you! It’s a ton of hard work!

And because of this, I suggest setting little milestones for yourself, and once you hit those milestones, treat yourself to something nice.

It could simply be a pair of jeans or a button-up shirt that’s, say, double the price of what you’d normally buy. Or maybe a new pair of sneakers you’ve been eyeing.

For example, I remember when I started my own weight loss journey way back in 2005, I wore a size 38″ in pants and XL shirts.

In fact, the 38″ waist started to feel a bit tight, so sometimes I had to size up to a 40″ waist ?

I’m not that tall (5’9″) so you can imagine how rotund I was.

So one day, it hit me, and I got really serious about losing weight. I was dropping, on average, 5 lbs every two weeks!

After 2.5 months, I was down 25 lbs and I noticed my jeans were way too loose on me, which made me go ? because it was surprising and I guess I hadn’t really paid attention until then.

I hit the mall and tried on some new jeans, and I fit in a size 34! You can bet I treated myself that day.

They weren’t expensive jeans (I think I was at Express Men) but the fact that I was buying a size 34″ was a treat in itself.

Whatever it is, set that goal, hit it, and then do something nice for yourself. You deserve it!

Big Guy Style Tip #5: Keep sizing down until you can’t anymore, then start sizing up

The fact of the matter is, most guys (big, small, short, tall) wear their clothes too big.

And as a big guy, the issue with that is multiplied ten-fold; big, loose clothing makes you look bigger! So you want to size down.

Here’s a little trick to finding the right fit—combine this method with tip #1. Let’s say you normally wear an XXL and you think that’s your size.

Next time you’re shopping, find a shirt (or pair of pants, or jacket) you like and take a M, L, XL, and XXL into the fitting room.
Start with the XXL, and work your way down.
Put each item on and keep sizing down until you literally cannot fasten the pants or button the shirt any more.
Maybe you manage to put on the medium shirt but your arms look like sausages and you can’t button it closed in the front. Great.
Then, start sizing up again one by one to achieve the best fit.

You might end up at a Large, and that fits great. Perfect!

Or maybe it turns out that XL fits just fine, and you’ve been wearing shirts that are too big.

(Don’t forget to test the fit by sitting down in a chair!)

You never would’ve figured this out if you didn’t try on multiple sizes of the same shirt!

Remember that a well-fitting item of clothing won’t necessarily feel as comfortable as a big, billowy T-shirt or baggy sweatpants. That’s because clothes that fit well are closer to your body. You will feel them on your skin!

So always remember when trying on clothes:

Just because you feel the cloth on your skin, doesn’t mean it’s too tight.
And just because it’s super comfortable—like your baggy sweats and oversized tees—doesn’t mean it fits well or makes you look good.

Keep in mind: Not all sizes are equal across brands. One brand’s Medium size is another brand’s Large. You have to go through this process with each new brand you try.

That’s why I always suggest when you find a brand or brands that work well for you, stick with them and buy all your clothes there.

Big Guy Style Tip #6 (a bonus!): Thicker and heavier fabrics drape better

Think oxford cloth shirts, twill dress shirts, flannels, etc. These shirts are made with a more substantial fabric and drape—or “lay”—better on your body.

Because of their weight, these shirts have structure and they make you look better because they aren’t hugging every luscious curve of yours.

If you’re wearing a tee by itself, it should fit like this. Perfect sleeve length, shoulder seam hits right where it’s supposed to, and there’s a bit more room in the torso so it’s not hugging every curve of your body

So if you wear a T-shirt under a knit sweater, it’s not as easy to hide the parts you’re looking to hide (and let’s be honest, when you’re overweight, you’re always trying to hide something or make it look a bit less conspicuous).

But let’s say you wear a heavier overshirt or “shacket” over a T-shirt, well, that will do a much better job at complementing your shape and hiding any body insecurities you don’t like.

This is a good example. The model is wearing a sport coat over a dress shirt. The sport coat has more structure and is designed to give you a waist, making you look slimmer. Whole outfit available at Bonobos

Yes, you can dress sharp, even as a bigger guy

And hopefully this article helps you realize that!

Got any questions? Feel free to reach out to me on social media.

Fashion For Big Guys: 5 Tips To Look Great Today (And As You Lose Weight)

You wouldn’t wear a fur-lined parka in the desert in the middle of summer, would you?

When it’s 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside, is the first thing you grab your heavy wool peacoat?

(I hope not… weirdo)

We generally switch out our thicker, heavier clothes when spring shows up, and in again when autumn rolls back around. Why wouldn’t we do the same with our shoes?

If this thought hadn’t yet occurred to you—and don’t worry, it’s not something we talk about often—let me present to you my favorite men’s summer shoes… 5 warm weather-appropriate pairs that are worthy additions to your closet!

Summer shoe #1: Espadrilles

Left to right: Soludos, Sea Star Beachwear

If you’re like me, you’re heading for the nearest body of water as often as you can, just like every other spring and summer.

Espadrilles are the perfect shoe for these getaways.

The most common style consists of a flexible sole—traditionally made from Esparto rope, though modern versions most likely are made from jute or other natural fiber—plus a cotton or canvas upper.

Because of how espadrilles look and are designed, they’re best worn in tropical, warm-weather places—you’re not wearing these in Chicago in the winter—or when you’re on the coast, at the beach, or at the pool.

Soludos is an easy go-to for good-looking espadrilles in a variety of uppers, from canvas to leather (the leather versions are more “around town” appropriate).

Sea Star Beachwear reimagined the espadrille while keeping its aesthetic largely the same, making their version with a neoprene upper and a deck shoe sole.

Summer shoe #2: Knit sneakers

Left to right: Cole Haan trainer, Nike Flyknit, Cole Haan tennis shoe

Here’s why a knit shoe is necessary for your summer wardrobe:

It’s a great substitute for your go-to full leather sneakers
It’ll keep you cooler as the weather warms up
They’re super lightweight and flexible
They’ll keep you comfortable even as your feet expand and shrink (totally happens as you move throughout your day!)

You can go with a classic tennis sneaker silhouette or a trainer with a more sporty look – you’re wearing these casually anyway.

Summer shoe #3: Tan leather loafer or double monk

Penny Loafer and Double Monk from Ace Marks

The tan leather loafer—specifically one with an apron toe—or a sharp double monk (or both!) are the best possible additions to your lean wardrobe.

Not only do they go with suits and more formal-leaning outfits, they easily dress up a smart sharp casual look. You can wear them with jeans, chinos, dress trousers… the options are endless.

I love this tan, cognac color in particular because it’s a bit more fun than your typical dark brown or black, and much more appropriate in the spring and summer as well.

They work with all your menswear neutrals and your lighter-colored summer outfits. My favorite combo is a pair of tan leather loafers with white denim and a navy linen shirt or sport coat. Super crisp and sharp!

This penny and double monk from Ace Marks are the perfect examples.

The penny has a supple full-grain calfskin leather upper that’s been hand dyed and burnished and a leather sole featuring Blake Flex construction… super flexible and comfortable. And yes, you can resole them.

The double monk is from Ace Marks’ new Essentials line, with the same supple full-grain calfskin leather upper and a Blake-stitched rubber outsole.

By the way, thanks to Ace Marks for partnering with us on this article!

The brand is releasing two new lines, Signatures and Essentials, and the Essentials line is particularly noteworthy.

If you’re in the process of building out your Lean Wardrobe as we outline here on Effortless Gent, you’re gonna need a few pairs of dress shoes, and the Essentials line is right up your alley.

Every shoe in the Essentials line exists because they’re classics that belong in every man’s closet.

For the price, the quality is unmatched—you’re getting full-grain calfskin leather with flexible, Blake-stitched rubber outsoles (especially great when it’s slippery out) that can be resoled—all under $150!

If you don’t already have at least one pair of Ace Marks shoes, you need to check them out. Tap here to check out all the Ace Marks lines.

Summer shoe #4: Unlined Italian loafers

Top to bottom, left to right: Cole Haan, Hugo Boss, To Boot New York, Meermin

You may be wondering, “Why would I need two different loafers?”

The tan leather loafer from Ace Marks is perfect for the office, or worn with denim for dinner and drinks on the weekend.

This second loafer looks very similar, but is unlined, made from suede, and is much more casual yet still super sharp… think linen or light cotton pants, or even sharp tailored shorts with a linen shirt.

These loafers look perfectly at home on the coast, whether Miami or Positano, as well as in the city when the sun is beating down and you want to look sharp and put together… but they feel loose and laid back.

It’s not always easy to find the perfect lightweight, unlined, suede, apron toe loafer. The best I’ve seen recently is from Meermin (in the photo, first pair in the second row).

If you can get close—i.e. have most or some of these qualities: lightweight, unlined, suede, apron toe—then, good enough!

Summer shoe #5: Suede chukkas

Top to bottom, left to right: Clarks, John Varvatos, Trask, Gordon Rush

The key word you want to remember for your summer clothes and shoes: Unlined.

Your sport coats should be unlined. Your loafers, unlined. And your chukkas too!

Chukka styles can vary, but the specific one I’m suggesting is lightweight, with an unlined suede upper and a crepe sole.

Leather uppers can work during the summer as well, just make sure the leather is soft and unstructured. So can leather soles (though they’re decidedly more dressy).

The best summer-friendly chukkas are lightweight, unlined, and unstructured.

You’ll love these with lightweight denim or cotton chinos around town, and they’re the perfect spring and summer traveling shoe (easy to slip on and off at the airport security line).

The Best Men’s Shoes For Spring and Summer!

Which ones are you adding to your wardrobe this season?

Thanks again to our friends at Ace Marks for partnering with us. Make sure to check out their new Signature and Essentials lines here.

5 Shoe Styles Worth Considering for Spring and Summer

I’ve always said that guys should focus on building a Lean Wardrobe made up of menswear neutrals.

That’s because when you have a closet full of basics and essentials in neutral colors, it’s easy to put outfits together and you know you won’t mess up your clothing color combinations.

But what if you wanted to add just a bit of color to your outfits?

I’m not talking orange pants or a bright pink shirt, but maybe a touch of orange or pink, somewhere in your outfit, so your look isn’t so… boring?

Here are 5 areas you can add a pop of color to your outfit.

Good news for you –

they’re all relatively low-risk,
you can experiment without investing too much,
and you can do it quickly and easily!

5 Areas To Add A Pop Of Color

1. Your Socks

Nordstrom, Ted Baker, Calvin Klein

This is an obvious choice, and of course there are a plethora of options out nowadays, but I encourage you to do this with a healthy dose of subtlety.

You don’t need to wear the loudest, most vibrant socks. Adding a pop of color is like enjoying a finger of scotch vs. chugging a 1/2 liter of beer. You’re going for a small dose of it, simple and effective.

So look for socks that are more understated… a color and pattern combination a true connoisseur or clotheshorse would appreciate.

2. Your Belt

(click to enlarge image) Get Your Anson Belt Box Set

If you ask me, Anson Belt is the obvious choice here.

You have plenty of options for strap colors and materials, the buckle and strap combos are completely customizable, the no-hole ratchet system allows for multiple sizing (adjustable to every 1/4″), which means you’re not stuck with only 5 sizes like a typical belt.

I’ve been wearing Anson for years and I’ve since replaced all my belts with theirs. (No joke, I have at least 5 in my rotation)

If you haven’t tried them before, they’re worth a shot. Anson’s also got 13,000+ 4- and 5-star reviews, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting an awesome belt.

By the way, I suggest going the box set route. You get 3 belt straps and 2 buckles (or 2 belt straps and 3 buckles, though I’d choose the former) for under $100.

EG's TOP PICK

Anson Belt Box Set

$99.95

Your choice of 3 straps and 2 buckles, or vice versa!

Buy Now

3. Bracelets

Half rope cuff, Cuff, Hook rope, Leather bracelet, all from Miansai

I like buying accessories when I travel.

My latest purchase is a leather bracelet from Sayulita, a small beach town in Mexico, where I spent a week with good friends (and officiated my first wedding!).

Good memories, a great accessory, and I’m reminded of the fun times we had whenever I wear it.

If you don’t travel much, or simply want to accessorize NOW, I suggest checking out the bracelets from Miansai. Their bracelets feel elevated and polished, and they have a nice selection of unique styles. Above are a few of my faves!

4. Your Shoes

Ace Marks blue loafers and green double monks, Fratelli Rossetti Dusty pink tassel loafers, Fort Belvedere color laces

This one might not be that obvious, but you can go for shoes from brands that offer unique leather colors and patinas.

Ace Marks is a good example of this. Fratelli Rossetti, a luxury shoe brand founded in the 1940s in Italy, also carries shoes with fun colors.

And if you can’t commit to a colorful shoe, you can take a baby step by lacing your brown brogues with colorful laces. The ones you see above are from Fort Belvedere.

5. Everyday Carry

Moleskine Notebook, TwelveSouth iPhone case, Carl Friedrik backpack, Bellroy Card Holder

Think of the things you carry with you every day. These, effectively, are a part of your whole look as well.

So experiment with colorful EDC items like your wallet, key fob, notebooks, bag, and more. And don’t feel like all your everyday carry items have to match; they can, but they don’t have to.

The #1 Rule For Adding Pops Of Color

Keep in mind the number one rule when it comes to incorporating pops of color into your outfits.

You want to make sure your base outfit is made up of menswear neutrals, and if you do that, adding little pops of color here and there is much easier, and you won’t have to worry about clashing or looking like the inside of a Sanrio store.

What’s your favorite way to add a pop of color to your outfit?

I hope you found these tips helpful! Quick shout out and a huge thanks to Anson Belt for partnering with us on this article.

When brands I love work with me, it allows me to continue putting useful style content for you, for free! So please support the brands that support EG. And definitely grab yourself an .

Like I mentioned earlier in the article, over the years I’ve replaced all my belts with these, and now they’re all I wear. Check em out below!

EG's TOP PICK

Anson Belt Box Set

$99.95

Your choice of 3 straps and 2 buckles, or vice versa!

Buy Now

Guys: 5 Easy Ways To Add a Pop of Color To Your Outfits

With clocks on every digital interface we encounter, wristwatches may seem pointless. But the best men’s watches are about more than just telling time.

Much like attention-getting socks or a cheeky monogram inside a suit jacket, the right wristwatch showcases the wearer’s personality in a unique way.

A wristwatch is the one accessory that not only serves a specific purpose, but also stands the test of time. You won’t look at photos of yourself twenty years from now and say, “Oh man, how embarrassing, I can’t believe I’m wearing a watch in this photo!”

Since we’re striving for classic and timeless when possible, you should know a little something about your options before you make a purchase.

So in this guide to the best men’s watches, you’ll learn the design and features that make our recommended timepieces stand out from the crowd.

And since we’re all about dressing smart and sharp no matter the setting, we’ll show you:

Parts of a watch (so you know what you’re referring to and talking about)
The best watches for each type of outfit
Where each watch fits on the casual / formal spectrum
Our top picks for the best watches to add to your wardrobe

“Show me the watches first, B!”

I hear ya, you wanna see what watches we recommend. Make sure to read the rest of this article to learn exactly why. Here are all the watches we mention in this article.

Frederique Constant Slim Line Wristwatch

$479.00

Buy Now

July 4, 2020 5:28 am UTC

Hamilton Valiant Automatic

$643.07

Buy Now

July 3, 2020 3:27 pm UTC

IWC Portofino Swiss Automatic Watch

$3,878.66

Buy Now

July 4, 2020 5:28 am UTC

Linjer Automatic

$439

Buy Now

Longines La Grande Classique Automatic

$915.00

Buy Now

July 4, 2020 5:28 am UTC

Seiko Presage SRPB43

$480.00

Buy Now

July 4, 2020 5:28 am UTC

Parts of a Watch

Watch Movement

Watch movements can be quartz or mechanical, and mechanical movements can be further broken down into manual and automatic.

Let’s dive into each.

Watches with mechanical movements use a set of tiny, intricate gears to release the energy from a wound spring and calculate time based on that energy release. An easy way to spot a mechanical watch is the sweeping motion of the second hand.

Manual mechanical watches require physical rewinding while automatic mechanical movements rewind themselves using the energy created by the wearer’s wrist motion throughout the day.

best seiko watches sport watches and dress watches

Check This One Out, Too!

These are The 15 Best Seiko Watches

Quartz watch movements use a battery to send an electric current through a small piece of quartz crystal. That produces vibrations which power the movement of the watch and measure time. You can spot a quartz movement watch easily by the jerky tick of the second hand.

So which is the best watch movement for you? It all depends on your lifestyle and budget.

If you want a budget timepiece for everyday wear, go with a quartz movement. But for an investment-worthy dress watch you want to wear for decades, mechanical is the best watch movement.

Watch Case

A watch case is the main body that houses the movement. If it’s made from or mimics a precious metal (gold, silver, platinum, etc.), there’s a good chance your watch is more on the formal side.

If the watch case parts are made from steel, plastic, or other materials (ceramic, titanium, carbon fiber, etc.), it’s most likely not a formal watch.

A quick note on watch case sizing

Most men’s watch cases are 36mm-50mm in diameter.

Formal and luxury watch cases are typically on the smaller side (36-40mm). Sport-specific, fashion, and casual watches vary in size but are usually larger than formal watches.

Some fashion brands take it a bit too far and look like you’re wearing a wall clock on your wrist. Avoid these.

And keep in mind, the right watch size for you is relative. A 42mm watch may look too large on a 6.5″ wrist, but perfect on an 8.25″ wrist.

That’s why it’s important to measure your wrist and try on a few different watches.

Click to enlarge in new tab

Watch Face and Dial

Stick or Roman numeral indices tend to be found in more formal watches. Arabic numbers appear on more casual watches. Of course, there are exceptions to both.

Is the dial elegant and simple, or does it have multiple functions and complications?

The simpler and more elegant the watch parts, the more formal the watch. The more sport-specific task or feature rich (stopwatch, time zones, depth measurement), the more casual it is.

Watch Strap

The best watch straps vary from style to style. Here’s a simple way to identify which strap will look right with your attire.

Worn-in leather looks better dressed down with jeans than it does with a suit. Thicker, bulkier straps are better with casual outfits, as do nylon straps.
Glossy, slim, and thin leather bands best complement formal attire. They usually look out of place with denim and other casual clothes.
Metal bands can go either way. But if your watch is sport-specific (chronographs, divers, etc.) it’s meant for more casual wear, or that particular sport.
Rubber straps are decidedly sport-specific – save them for time when you’re active.

The 5 Types of Watches

Dress Watches

Best for: Formal settings

Characteristics:

Slim, understated profile
Metal case
Simple watch face
Leather strap
Analog

When attending a formal event – anything from a traditional wedding to a black tie event – a classic and understated men’s dress watch is best.

Your accessories should match the formality of the setting, so a simply styled watch with a light-colored face and black leather strap is perfect. (It goes without saying that your leather shoes and belt should also be black.)

Also consider any accessories you’re wearing with your watch, like a bracelet or ring. You want to make sure all your metals match.

For “dressy casual” or business casual situations when you’re still in a suit and / or tie, a similar watch with brown leather band would fit the bill.

While it’s possible to get by with an all-purpose wristwatch in most instances, there’s something special about having one specifically for formal or special business occasions.

Fashion Watches

Best for: Casual, smart casual, and professional settings

Characteristics:

Larger case
Metal or leather bracelet
Activity specific features built-in to the watch face
Analog

Metal fashion watches can be used in a variety of casual situations. They combine form and function in a way that speaks to your personal style.

Fashion watches aren’t right for formal settings, but they can work with just about any other situation. For example, I have a Gucci Pantheon steel watch. It works just as well casually with jeans and a T-shirt as it does in a professional setting when I’m wearing a suit.

Want a fashion or sports watch that’s just as flexible? In that case, the best men’s watches for you will have understated designs and unadorned watch faces.

Activity-specific fashion watches have built-in features that are purpose driven. For example, diving watches are built to withstand underwater pressure. Pilot watches have large, easy-to-read numerals and dials.

But you don’t have to be a pilot, diver, or race car driver to enjoy watches that are specifically built and designed for these activities. It comes down to preference, so just make sure you’re wearing it in the right situations–in this case, not to a formal event.

Sport Watches

Best for: Active/Sports settings

Characteristics:

Large but lightweight
Rubber or nylon straps
Sport-specific features built in to the watch face
Digital or analog

Sport watches are fun to have when you’re working out, playing sports, or being active. They’re lightweight, can take a beating, an are easy to clean up after a sweaty game or workout.

These watches have built-in features like timers (or chronographs if analog), water resistance (for diving and swimming), backlit screens or dials (for nighttime use), compasses, and altimeters.

Because of their strap material, large faces, and plethora of features, these watches are very activity specific. They’re best worn only when doing something active – they’re totally wrong for formal settings and can sometimes even be overkill for a casual outfit.

Casual Watches

Best for: Everyday wear, casual settings

Characteristics:

Smaller watch face
Metal casing
Nylon, leather, or metal strap
Affordable

These are the best men’s watches for when you’re not going anywhere in particular and you don’t need a special watch for the occasion. Think situations like low-key weekends, running errands, seeing a movie, etc.

Since these watches are daily wearers, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a more affordable option if restricted by budget. You can find stylish men’s casual watches with leather, nylon, or metal straps in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and designs.

Smart Watches

Best for: Everyday wear, sports/fitness, professional settings

Characteristics:

Large touchscreen face
Interchangeable straps

Smartwatches represent the modern marriage of fashion and technology. For that reason, it’s hard to pin them down into one category or degree of formality.

In most cases, you can fit a smartwatch into one of the above categories and style them similarly. Consider these three factors before you head out wearing a smartwatch:

Design. A GPS running or fitness watch is activity specific and should be worn much like a sports watch. An Apple Watch with productivity apps you use while working will fit into both casual and professional settings.

Strap. Sports-focused smartwatches often come with rubber straps, so wear them as you would any other sports watch.

In the case of multi-use smartwatches with interchangeable straps (like the Apple Watch), make sure the strap you choose fits the setting. Rubber for sports, nylon for casual, and metal or leather for smart or business casual.

Watch face. Fitness smartwatches typically have large digital displays that give them a casual look and feel that’s hard to dress up. Other smartwatches have optional displays, including analog-style faces. Those are best for smart casual and business settings.

Best Men’s Dress Watches

Here are the factors we look for when choosing the best men’s dress watches:

Case: Relatively thin and made from steel or precious metal.
Strap: Leather or some type of exotic animal hide, sometimes metal.
Face/Dial: Simple stick or roman dial with light-colored, neutral, unadorned details.
Movement: Mechanical in luxury watches, quartz in less expensive options.

Frederique Constant Slim Line Wristwatch

$479.00

Buy Now

July 4, 2020 5:28 am UTC

Hamilton Valiant Automatic

$643.07

Buy Now

July 3, 2020 3:27 pm UTC

IWC Portofino Swiss Automatic Watch

$3,878.66

Buy Now

July 4, 2020 5:28 am UTC

Linjer Automatic

$439

Buy Now

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Best Everyday Men’s Watches

The perfect everyday watch is classically styled, not too sporty, and can still be worn with a blazer. At the same time, it can’t look so dressy that it feels out of place with denim.

Most of all, it can’t be so expensive or fragile that you’d be scared to scratch it up or break it. After all, you want to be able to wear this watch in just about any circumstances.

Your perfect everyday watch, much like your perfect Lean Wardrobe, will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Here are a few that you may like, or at the very least, a few that will incite you to explore more and find one on your own.

Was that helpful?

If you have any questions or comments, hit me up on Twitter. You can also find join other readers on Effortless Gent’s Facebook page, or DM me on Instagram!

Everything You Need to Know To Buy Your Next Watch

Let’s talk about what looks best with your skin color.

Color and complexion are pretty important topics we haven’t discussed much here.

This seems to be monumentally important to the ladies when they apply makeup, which makes sense when you’re basically coloring your face.

I doubt guys give it much thought; to be honest, I hardly do either. But if you’re spending time picking out some nice clothes to wear, why not take that extra step to pick colors that look best with your skin tone?

There are plenty of ways to determine the optimal color palette for your skin tone, but it really doesn’t have to be complicated.

If we men follow a few simple pointers, we should be okay.

“Do these colors go together?”

In this video, I’m giving you 5 easy tips for matching your outfit. These are tips you can use right now, and they’re super simple to remember.

And yeah, I tell you why you shouldn’t worry too much about skin tone when getting dressed. Just follow the tips in the video.

By the way, are you subscribed to Effortless Gent on YouTube? If not, you should be 😉

How To Find Colors That Look Good On You

Believe it or not, color is a hard thing to get wrong, and luckily for guys, it doesn’t matter that much anyway. There’s a set of colors I call #menswearNeutrals that works great for all guys.

As far as the chart I put together (see below), there’s a good chance you may not have the exact coloring of any of these examples, and that’s fine. Just choose someone who matches closest. And if you’re in between two guys’ skin complexion, you can wear colors (and avoid colors) assigned to both of them.

Just keep in mind that most colors look fine on everyone, and you can’t really go wrong.

This list isn’t scientifically proven, so use it as a general guideline, and deviate when necessary. Remember that none of this is set in stone with no exceptions; it’s important for you to try stuff and see what looks good on you.

Some things to remember off the bat:

If you have a lighter, paler complexion, avoid stark black and white
If you have a medium complexion, the primary and bold colors will suit you well
If you’re a darker skin tone, you have more freedom with whites and pastels than most

Assuming you can remember those basic rules, you’ll be good, but let’s see if we can dig a bit deeper.

Not sure which colors look best on you?

Grab our Contrast Cheat Sheet, free!

I like spam musubi, but not SPAM email. You’ll receive the Contrast Cheat Sheet, plus a great style email at least 1x a week. No funny business, unsubscribe any time.

Dress for your skin tone

Looking for the large PDF? Click here to download (right click > Save As…)

If your complexion closely resembles Conan O’Brien, focus on warm khaki colors, peach tones, teals, red, bright blues and greens.

Try to avoid: Black and white. The stark contrast is too much for your skin and will only accentuate the lack of color.

Let’s say you have the coloring of Justin Timberlake. Pastels look best on you. Think baby blue, light pink, lavender, pale yellow. Neutrals also look good on you, such as a lighter beige and heather gray.

Try to avoid: Really striking or primary colors. Also, too much deep, dark color can wash you out. Stay away from all black or all navy.

If you have more olive or tan skin like Adrian Grenier, try warm colors such as rich browns, orange-yellow, olive green, deep reds, and purples.

Try to avoid: White and black, pastels, any kind of faded color. These don’t work well with your complexion.

Lastly, let’s say you have a complexion like Will Smith. Dark colors look great on you like black, dark gray, and navy. Rich, deep colors also look good. Think emerald green, sapphire blue, royal purple. Bright white and pastel colors look great as well.

Try to avoid: Earthy tones and washed out colors; these don’t do anything for you.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS ONE, TOO

How to Use Contrast to Create Kick-Ass Clothing Combinations

Four Colors That Look Good On Everyone

There are four colors that are “universally flattering”, regardless of your skin tone. These colors are Eggplant, True Red, Indian Teal, and Mellow Rose.

Kinda weird names, I know. But look at the photos of the women below. All different complexions, but none of them look sickly or pale when wearing these colors.

images via real simple

How would guys wear these colors?

Easiest way would be to pick one item of clothing in one of these colors, and keep everything else in your outfit neutral. #menswearNeutrals! (Watch this video if you don’t know what menswear neutrals are).

So for example, Indian Teal and Eggplant (or similar variants) would look great as sweaters.

True red? Try a Polo shirt. Mellow rose is basically a light pink / peach color, so try a dressy button-up under a blazer. As long as you find something in between those two hues, you’re good.

Did this help you figure out which colors work best for you?

If not, how can I be more helpful? Let’s chat about it on Twitter or tag me in some photos on Instagram.

This is one of EG’s most popular posts, originally published April 21, 2011, and was last updated December 22, 2018 (added video resource and more information to all sections).

photo via

Choose The Best Clothing Colors For Your Skin Tone

Have you ever wondered what to wear with light brown, tan, or cognac colored leather shoes?

Dark brown shoes, easy, Black leather shoes, easy… but what about light brown?

I personally love that light brown / tan leather color for shoes, and today, I’ll show you which pants look best with this color leather shoe.

I’ll also show you one option that looks great, but that you’d never expect… and also a few pants colors to AVOID wearing with tan leather shoes.

By the way, all the tan leather shoes I’m using as examples today are from Ace Marks. In case you haven’t come across Ace Marks yet, they’re known for their high-end leather dress shoes and sneakers in both classic and unique color combos.

Super premium, really beautiful shoes.

Each shoe is made from full-grain calfskin both inside and out.

Everything is handcrafted, hand-dyed, and hand-burnished by a family-run company of 4th-generation master craftsmen.

These craftsmen also do work for really high-end brands whose shoes sell north of $600, so you know you’re getting a great deal in terms of materials and build quality when you buy Ace Marks shoes.

So check out these pairs and everything else they offer! Also, if you decide to pick up a pair (or three) make sure you use code AMBF at checkout. There will be a special discount especially for you since you’re an EG reader 😉

So let’s get into the combos, shall we?

Prefer video?

I put together a video for our YouTube channel with all these shoe and pant combinations. Check it out below.

pants #1: Dark denim or navy chinos

A deep dark blue with tan leather shoes is a classic, no-fail combo. Not only can you wear navy chinos, but dark denim as well.

In fact any denim with a medium blue wash or darker will look great.

So whether you pick up this pair or already have a pair of your own, medium to dark denim will look sharp when paired together.

As far as what to wear up top? Don’t let the tan leather color throw you. You can pretty much wear anything you’d normally wear with dark blue denim, weather that’s a white OCBD, grey T-shirt, red and black buffalo check flannel, even a chambray… it’s hard to go wrong.

pants #2: Medium grey chinos

Medium to dark grey (charcoal) with tan leather shoes is another color combo that looks great.

But, to be honest, these shades of grey look good with all colors. In this case, it really lets that tan color pop.

As far as the rest of the outfit, just make sure your shirt looks good with medium grey / charcoal, which is hard to get wrong since grey matches with all your other colors.

pants #3: White jeans

White denim or chinos and tan loafers are practically my uniform in the summer.

I love this combo for warm weather dressing, or when I’m traveling to a more tropical locale. I usually wear this with a blue chambray or a navy or olive linen shirt.

Similar to your dark blue denim or grey chinos, practically any shirt will look great with this white / tan combo. Feel free to experiment with brighter, more vibrant colors up top (like a red polo or your favorite floral print short sleeve shirt).

pants Choice #4: Burgundy / green chinos or cords

Want an awesome look for the colder months? Go with a burgundy or dark green corduroy with a tan chukka or Chelsea boot.

Olive or army green also works well, but for winter or the holidays, that deep, rich, dark green looks extra awesome. The richness of the tan leather will go nicely with the deep burgundy tone as well.

Jewel tones and more deep, rich colors look great in the winter. Just think of a typical tartan plaid scarf with navy and green, red and yellow. When you pair that scarf up with a menswear neutral like an olive green or grey, those colors pop! Same goes for burgundy and dark green.

With burgundy or dark green pants, I’d wear something simple up top. Maybe a white shirt, light grey, light blue, or camel.

pants Choice #5: Black jeans

You might think you can’t wear a brown shoe with a pair of black pants, but you’d be wrong!

Tan leather especially can look really sharp and interesting with black pants. The chelseas above are a great example. I would definitely rock these with black denim all day.

The only time the “black with black, brown with brown” rule applies is when you’re wearing a suit. If you have a black suit on, you should avoid dark brown leather shoes. That would be weird.

But don’t be afraid to experiment with black and brown in your casual outfits. You can go with a really inky pair of dark black denim, or something washed and slightly faded.

Up top, you have as much freedom as you do with a pair of dark blue denim. I’d wear a chambray shirt or maybe something in a fall tone like burgundy or dark green.

Avoid These pants with Tan Leather Shoes

There are a few colors that don’t look so great with tan leather. Really, it will depend on the shade of tan / cognac you have.

Just keep in mind contrast. You want contrast between your pants color and the color of leather.

Avoid medium khaki / tan pants

If the contrast is too low, it doesn’t look great. Plus this look is too matchy matchy and kinda dorky looking.

But if you can go either a bit lighter with the pants, or a bit darker with the shoes, then that contrast looks much better.

Avoid light grey pants with loafers

Same thing: the lack of contrast doesn’t work that well here. It’s not terrible, but it’s not… great.

When you compare it to a slightly tweaked version with a bit more contrast, doesn’t that look much better?

So, tell me…

What’s your favorite color pants to wear with tan leather shoes? Tweet me »

These are the shoes I used as examples in this post and the video:

What To Wear With Brown Shoes: Matching Pants to Light Brown, Tan, or Cognac Leather

So you want to know how to match your belt to your outfit.

Most people will tell you, “brown shoes, brown belt… black shoes, black belt” which IS true. But is that really the whole story?

What if you’re not wearing black or brown shoes?
What if you are wearing white sneakers, do you have to wear a white belt?
Or with a casual outfit, do you have to match your shoes and belt exactly?

In this article, I’m gonna answer all those questions and give you guidelines to follow so going forward, you won’t be confused about how to match your belt with your outfit (or your shoes… really, it depends).

Let’s get started, yeah?

“Should you match your belt with your pants or shoes?”

OK, so there are some basic rules that you’d be wise to follow. Let’s get those out of the way first.

Black with black, brown with brown

When you’re dressing formally (meaning suit and tie):

Match your (leather) belt with your (leather) shoes
Black leather shoes? Black leather belt.
Brown leather shoes? Brown leather belt.
Sometimes shades of brown differ, but get as close as you can

Those are the basics for matching your belt and your shoes. Again, this applies to formal (dressy) situations, i.e. wearing a suit and tie.

If you want the down and dirty details about matching your belt to your shoes, check out the article I put together. This is basically THE definitive guide to matching your belt and shoes.

BTW, these are the exact belts I wear 99.7% of the time

Quick shout out to Anson Belt & Buckle for partnering with me on this informative article. I discovered them a few years back and, no joke, it’s the only belt I wear (and no, I’m not just saying that either).

I have 6 Anson belts in different colors: all varieties of brown, black, grey canvas, even the camo canvas one!

Definitely give Anson a try. Once you do, I guarantee you won’t go back to regular belts with holes. The microadjustability is on point and you’ll always feel perfectly comfortable.

EG's TOP PICK

Anson Belt Box Set

$99.95

Your choice of 3 straps and 2 buckles, or vice versa!

Buy Now

The $99 box set above (3 straps and 2 buckles, or 2 straps and 3 buckles) is the best value. All the belts you see as examples in this article are available on the the site.

They’re continually adding new colors and materials so you’re certain to find the exact color and style you need! Build your box set here.

Matching Your Belt to Your Casual Outfits

Great, so we established that when dressed formally, figuring out which belt to wear is easy.

What about for casual outfits? Or when you’re not wearing brown or black shoes? What kind of belt do you wear then?

And what kind of belt material is best for a casual outfit?

All great questions. Let’s get into it.

How to choose the right belt for your shoes and outfit: 3 Guidelines

Keep these 3 guidelines in mind when you’re dressing casually and trying to figure out what belt to wear, or how to match it.

When dressing casually, match your belt to your outfit as a whole
Any shoes or outfits on the black / white scale (white shoes, light grey shoes, dark grey shoes, black shoes) go with a black belt
Any shoes or outfits with dark and vibrant tones (navy, dark green, dark purple), or warm, fall tones (brown, burgundy, tan / cognac, rust orange, mustard yellow) go with a brown belt

As you can tell, the rules of matching your belt to your shoes (or belt matching in general) aren’t as strict with casual outfits.

It’s more important that your belt looks great with the complete outfit.

In general, after considering your outfit as a whole, guidelines #2 and #3 should cover most of the bases.

with white, grey, and black sneakers

If you’re wearing black shoes, 99.9% of the time, you will wear a black belt.

And in most cases, if you’re wearing white shoes or grey shoes, a black belt will work fine, too. (Guideline #2… keep up!)

with white sneakers and a casual outfit with warm / fall tones

If your outfit has lots of warm or fall tones, choose a brown belt, even if you’re wearing white or grey shoes (this is Guideline #3).

with burgundy chukkas and a casual outfit with darker tones

And obviously, if your shoes are in that family of warm / fall tones, you would wear a brown belt.

The key to always matching your belts, shoes, and outfits perfectly? Understanding menswear neutrals

“Menswear neutrals” is a concept I go into more depth on in our program, Smart Sharp Style, but essentially, it’s a set of clothing colors that go well with each other, as well as with any other color in your wardrobe.

All the menswear neutral colors

So the menswear neutrals are: Black, white, all shades of grey, tan / khaki, olive, light blue, and navy. Your base wardrobe should be made up of clothes in these colors.

Of course, your wardrobe can have other colors in it, but for your basics and your essentials? They should be in these colors.

Why?

Because as I said, they go with every other color, as well as each other, effortlessly!

Every menswear neutral (first row) easily matches every other menswear neutral color.

So if you’re wearing an outfit full of menswear neutrals, simply follow the 3 guidelines I pointed out above and you’ll be just fine.

If you’re looking for more tips on how to match colors in your clothing, you should check out this video:

How to wear belts that are NOT black or brown

Anson’s colorful fabric belts ()

Maybe you have a belt in olive or navy, or maybe it’s a multi-colored belt… how would you match these to your outfit?

First, consider the concept of menswear neutrals in the previous section. If your outfit is made up of mostly menswear neutrals, and your belt is a menswear neutral, it will work together.

Next, consider Guideline #1 that I mentioned a few paragraphs up in this article. You want to match the belt to your outfit as a whole.

Then, think about Guidelines #2 and #3 to determine if you should go with brown, or black, or some other color.

Even if your belt is the one standout piece in your outfit, maybe it’s a crazy color that isn’t a menswear neutral… that’s fine! It will work.

Example of a menswear-neutral outfit with colorful Anson belts. Any of these belts can work!

If you have a multi-colored belt, such as the blue and red striped belt, you want to make sure your outfit is primarily made up of menswear neutrals. If you’re wearing too many colors and prints, adding a multi-colored belt will surely look terrible unless done perfectly.

What color belt do I wear with…

Finally, in this section, I want to fire off quick answers to the specific belt-matching questions I get most frequently.

Here we go:

What color belt with blue shoes?

Brown belt, but consider the colors of your outfit as a whole. (i.e. If your outfit is black, white, and blue shoes, you would wear a black belt.)

What color belt with grey pants?

Brown, unless you’re wearing all monochrome (black, grey, and white). In this case, wear a black belt.

What color belt with white shoes?

Any color. Match the belt you choose to your outfit.

What color belt with black pants?

Black belt. If you want to wear a colorful belt, consider the colors of your outfit as a whole.

What color belt with gray shoes?

Black belt. Brown or colorful belts are fine too, but consider the colors of your outfit as a whole.

What color belt with blue pants?

Brown belt, but consider the colors of your outfit as a whole. (i.e. If your outfit is black shoes, white shirt, and blue pants, for example… you would wear a black belt.)

Hope this article helps answer all your belt matching questions!

Most important thing to keep in mind is this: With casual looks, match your belt to your whole outfit, not just your shoes.

That goes for whether it’s a brown belt, a black belt, or a multi-colored fabric belt. For casual outfits, or casual shoes, make sure the belt matches the complete outfit.

EG's TOP PICK

Anson Belt Box Set

$99.95

Your choice of 3 straps and 2 buckles, or vice versa!

Buy Now

Don’t forget to check out the belts at Anson Belt & Buckle! I suggest grabbing a box set with a dark brown leather, black leather, and saddle tan leather strap, for starters.

Or, if you want to be more adventurous, they have a ton of different colors in canvas and nylon as well. Check them all out by clicking the button above!

Questions? Tweet at me!

How to Match Your Belt With Your Outfit (Easy To Follow Guidelines)

Are you trying to establish a grooming routine or a skin care regimen, but you’re not exactly sure where to start?

In this article, I’ll be unboxing the Starter Kit from Brickell Men’s Products, a popular all-natural line of grooming products designed for men, one I’ve been using for years, and I’ll show you everything that comes inside.

So if you’re looking to start a skin care or grooming routine you can actually stick to, you’ll love the samples in this Starter Kit.

Prefer a video unboxing?

I also shot a video walking you through each product in Brickell’s Starter Kit. Check it out below (just click play):

What you should know up front about Brickell’s Starter Kit

Let’s get a few things clear:

This is NOT a subscription box, and there is no monthly fee
It is FREE (meaning $0), you just cover the $6.95 for shipping
The Starter Kit comes with 17 samples of their best selling and most popular products
It also comes with a $10 off code that applies to your first purchase (you effectively get your $6.95 back here)
Each sample lasts 1-2 weeks, plenty of time to test each product out

Needless to say, if you’re looking to establish a simple skin care and grooming routine, this is the place to get started.

Brickell Sample Kit

Try For FREE

Try Brickell's Premium Men's Natural Skincare & Grooming Sample Kits for free

CHOOSE YOUR KIT

The best part about the Brickell Starter Kit is that you get to sample all the essentials and pick and choose the products you want to use in your routine without having to shell out for full-sized products that you end up not using.

By the way, all Brickell products are natural and organic, nothing toxic or synthetic, and you can choose from scented or unscented versions of their products.

I’m sure you already know the benefits of taking care of your hair and skin, and using good products with natural ingredients is super important and will pay off down the road.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS ONE, TOO

The Truth About Natural Skin Care Products: What To Use And What To Avoid

I’ve been using their stuff since 2014, mostly their two face washes and their daily moisturizer. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know the company and the people behind the brand and I’m honored to have them partner with me on this article.

They were also kind enough to send over a few Starter Kits so I could show you what comes inside.

What comes in Brickell’s Starter Kit?

First off, the inserts. One encourages you to share the Starter Kit and for every friend that orders one, you’ll receive $10 off your next purchase. Awesome.

Brickell Sample Kit

Try For FREE

Try Brickell's Premium Men's Natural Skincare & Grooming Sample Kits for free

CHOOSE YOUR KIT

The second is simply a Quick Start Guide; if you’re unsure how to use any of the products or what they do, this guide will answer all your questions.

In the first row of bottles, we have:

Daily Strengthening Shampoo: this has a combo of natural ingredients that help make your hair stronger and fuller, make your hair shiny, and prevent any irritation and dry skin.

All-in-One Body Wash: This is what I’d use if I were in a rush. It’s designed to be gentle yet effective enough to work for your hair, body, and face, and you won’t have to worry about your skin feeling dried out or irritated after.

Clarifying Gel Face Wash and Purifying Charcoal Face Wash:

The Clarifying Gel Face Wash is recommended for normal to oily skin
The Purifying Charcoal Face Wash is best for dry or sensitive skin

I personally use the Charcoal Face Wash more, but both work great and my skin never feels dry when using them.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS ONE, TOO

A Daily Men’s Skin Care Routine You’ll Actually Follow

Daily Essential Face Moisturizer: I love this stuff; I use it every day. It does a good job of moisturizing the skin without feeling oily or heavy. My skin absorbs it fast and leaves my face feeling hydrated.

It’s perfect for using right after you wash your face with the gel or charcoal face wash.

Instant Relief After Shave: This after shave is fast absorbing with no alcohol (and no burning). Instead you get that cooling, soothing, hydrated feeling when you apply right after shaving.

On to the first row of tubs:

First up we have the Balancing Toner: You can use this first thing in the morning or even throughout the day. This literally helps balance out your skin tone by reducing shine and minimizing pores.

Renewing Face Scrub: Not totally sure how this differs from a face wash. I’d say it’s the same, but better, since it has little scrubbies in it to help remove the oil and dead skin from your face.

I personally prefer face washes with scrubbies. It feels like you get a better clean after a few circular motions and a quick rinse with water.

Smooth Brushless Shave Cream: To be honest, I probably won’t use this since I don’t razor shave all that often. But based on what I’ve read, you don’t need a brush and it isn’t meant to lather up like your usual shaving creams.

Simply apply this like you would a regular moisturizer and shave with a clean, sharp blade. Simple and effective!

YOU’LL LOVE THIS ONE, TOO

How To Age Like A Fine Wine, Not A Leather Belt

Charcoal Face Mask: This helps extract all the bacteria, oil, and gunk in your pores without drying out your skin.

Just apply a smooth even layer of this stuff over your face (make sure to avoid your eyes and mouth!). Let dry for about 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly until it’s all gone.

Reviving Day Serum: This helps keep your skin’s elasticity and firmness so you stay looking young. You can apply it once in the morning and you should be good all day.

Finally, the last row of tubs:

Repairing Night Serum: This works in the same way as the day serum. It also reduces inflammation, age spots, and the Vitamin C decreases any sun damage, all while you sleep!

Revitalizing Anti Aging Cream: This helps to minimize any fine lines and wrinkles by firming, tightening, and hydrating the skin. There’s a natural ingredient called DMAE that helps the underlying face muscles to contract, which tightens up the skin.

Basically, the skin is affected by atrophying muscles and if the muscles are active, the skin is less likely to fold and wrinkle.

Sounds crazy, but hey it’s in the sample kit, give it a shot and see if you like it 🙂

Revitalizing Hair Conditioner: The conditioner works much the same way as the strengthening shampoo and also gives your hair a naturally fuller feeling and shinier finish.

Restoring Eye Balm: This is the good stuff! I definitely need more of this. This helps brighten the skin around the eye, eliminate wrinkles and lines, hydrates, and reduces puffiness.

Lift the main panel in the starter kit to find more samples:

Beard Oil: Unfortunately I can’t use the Beard Oil, seeing as though I don’t have a beard, but according to Brickell, the oils help to soften the hair and condition the skin underneath. It’ll restore the hairs’ luster and sooth the skin.

All good stuff, so if you have a beard, it’s definitely worth trying out.

Deep Moisture Body Lotion: This is perfect for dry skin on all levels. It contains shea butter and aloe vera, and it really hydrates the skin and absorbs nicely as you apply it.

Get your Starter Kit from Brickell, free!

Well, that’s everything that comes in the Starter Kit. Remember, they are giving these out for FREE, just cover the $6.95 shipping and handling fee.

The best thing about the kit is that no matter if you want better skin, thicker hair, fewer lines and wrinkles, or a smoother shave, you’ll have the perfect product for you in here.

Brickell Sample Kit

Try For FREE

Try Brickell's Premium Men's Natural Skincare & Grooming Sample Kits for free

CHOOSE YOUR KIT

Barron Cuadro

Email yourself a copy of EG’s Summer Style Guide to read later!

The Best Summer Colors, Fabric, and FitBack To Top

The best colors for summer clothesBack To Top

The best fabrics for summer clothesBack To Top

How summer clothes should fitBack To Top

Email yourself a copy of EG’s Summer Style Guide to read later!

Outfit Specifics: “What clothes should I add to my closet?”Back To Top

Formal and Business: How to wear a suit and tie in hot weatherBack To Top

“What kind of fabric should my summer suit be made from?”Back To Top

“Are some colors better than others for summer suits?”Back To Top

“What about shirts, ties, and shoes?”Back To Top

Smart, Sharp Casual: How to dress sharp in men’s clothes for hot, humid weatherBack To Top

A bare-bones, capsule wardrobe for summerBack To Top

Shorts

Chinos

Shirts

Short Sleeve Shirts

Shoes

Sportcoat

Socks

Undershirts

Accessories (optional)

Sunglasses

Hats

Belts

NATO straps

Email yourself a copy of EG’s Summer Style Guide to read later!

Putting together your summer outfitsBack To Top

Men’s summer style examplesBack To Top

Outfit 1: Laid-Back Dressed Up

Outfit 2: Poolside Happy Hour

Outfit 3: Sharp in Shorts

Outfit 4: Understated and No-Nonsense

Outfit 5: Al Fresco Dinner

Wrapping UpBack To Top

Be Intentional With Your Accessories (And Your Style!)

Why wear accessories at all?

How to choose your accessories

“What have I seen and liked?”

“What is the meaning behind this bracelet?”

Values and goals aligned with yours

Designed with meaning

A wearable reminder or talisman

A representation of a happy time and place

“How’s the quality, construction, and value?”

“Personal expression, man”

How to wear accessories

Look 1: Simple and Straightforward

Look 2: With a watch

Look 3: Combining multiple bracelets

Are you ready to accessorize?

So, you’re a bigger guy, and you want to dress well, but you’re not sure where to start.

Fashion Tips For Big Guys… in a video?

Big Guy Style Tip #1: Understand how clothes should fit YOUR body

MINI TIP: Sit down in the fitting room when trying on clothes.

Big Guy Style Tip #1B: Find cool brands that make your size, and stick with them

Bonobos: Smart, sharp casual fashion for big guys

MINI TIP: Go shopping and try on clothing in the afternoon or evening instead of in the morning.

ASOS: Affordable casual and streetwear looks for big guys

Big Guy Style Tip #2: Buy affordably (for now)

Side Note: Follow big guys who dress sharp on Instagram

Big Guy Style Tip #3: Replace your most frequently worn items first!

MINI TIP: Find pants with a bit of stretch!

Big Guy Style Tip #4: Set milestones and treat yo’self when you hit them

Big Guy Style Tip #5: Keep sizing down until you can’t anymore, then start sizing up

Big Guy Style Tip #6 (a bonus!): Thicker and heavier fabrics drape better

Yes, you can dress sharp, even as a bigger guy

You wouldn’t wear a fur-lined parka in the desert in the middle of summer, would you?

Summer shoe #1: Espadrilles

Summer shoe #2: Knit sneakers

Summer shoe #3: Tan leather loafer or double monk

Summer shoe #4: Unlined Italian loafers

Summer shoe #5: Suede chukkas

The Best Men’s Shoes For Spring and Summer!

I’ve always said that guys should focus on building a Lean Wardrobe made up of menswear neutrals.

5 Areas To Add A Pop Of Color

1. Your Socks

2. Your Belt

3. Bracelets